AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin has expressed familiarity with Kaizer Chiefs’ new head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, as the two sides prepare to face off in a Betway Premiership match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday (19:30).

Reflecting on his previous experience in Tanzania, where Martin coached Simba SC, he recalled his encounters with Nabi, who was then at the helm of their fierce rivals, Young Africans.

“I really like them. I think they have improved from last season. The current coach, I know him well because I already played against him in Africa. He has been successful wherever he goes. I also think they signed very good players in positions where they had weaknesses but were capable of creating competition, and that makes a team grow,” said Martin.

Chiefs opened their league campaign against Dan Malesela’s Marumo Gallants, a team known for their possession-heavy style. Gallants struck early, finding the net in the eighth minute—exposing a lingering issue for Chiefs from last season: conceding early goals. 

However, Chiefs demonstrated resilience, a trait that has not gone unnoticed by Martin.

“I like their style of play. They play well. I like their mentality when they start the game behind so early. Maybe they didn’t have the best preseason or collect the best results. But from there, the resilience and the mentality to come back, especially with the feeling that sooner or later they are going to get the result,” praised the Spaniard.

Despite his respect for the Soweto giants, Martin remains confident in his own squad’s ability to rise to the challenge.

“We know it’s going to be tough. We know about the quality, both collectively and individually, but we also know what we are capable of, the quality of our players, and the mentality we have when facing opponents of this caliber. They are a good team, just like us, so I think we have all the ingredients to see a great show.”

With AmaKhosi looking to win their second game and Usuthu determined to change their misfortunes having lost their first game against Polokwane City, the stage is set for an exciting encounter, it is a match of consequences for both clubs. 

Last season, Chiefs took four off AmaZulu, but the Durban side knocked Chiefs out of the Carling Knockout first round at FNB Stadium, which was history as Usuthu beat Chiefs in the cup competition for the first time in the PSL era away.